Visible valve system and spill reducing system

ABSTRACT

A visible valve system for a breastmilk expression system is set forth. The visible valve system includes an outer member, graspable by a human hand. The outer member provides a visual indication that the system is properly assembled. The visible valve system can reduce spillage from a breastmilk container by providing at least a portion of a spill reducing tortuous path in the system, or the spill-reducing tortuous path may be provided in another component of a breastmilk expression system of which the visible valve system is a part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/114,436, filed Feb. 10, 2015, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/278,177, filed Jan. 13, 2016.U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/114,436 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/278,177 are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to breastmilk expressionsystems and, more particularly, to breastmilk expression systemsincluding a spill reducing system. The spill reducing system can bepartially or fully incorporated into a visible valve system forfacilitating media flow from a conduit to a container, such as a bottle,a bag, or other suitable receptacle.

BACKGROUND

Nursing mothers, and in particular first-time nursing mothers, face anumber of distractions and challenges associated with successfullynursing their babies. Breast pumps can be used by mothers to generatebreastmilk for feeding their babies at a later time. While variousbreast pumps have provided nursing mothers with the ability to pumpbreastmilk for later feedings, kits that mothers connect to breast pumpshave a number of small parts that can become lost, or that the nursingmothers may simply forget to properly assemble. One small part that caneasily become lost from a kit is a valve that is commonly used toprovide media communication from a conduit to a container for collectingthe breastmilk. Additionally, even when the valve is in place in thekit, the kit can tip over during a pumping session causing thebreastmilk to spill out of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure a spillreducing breastshield assembly for a breastmilk expression system is setforth. The breastshield assembly is configured to attach to a container,and can include a removable, visible valve system. The visible valvesystem is not only easily assembled by the user, but also provides avisible indication to the user that the system is properly assembled. Asthe term “visible valve system” is used herein, it refers to a valveassembly of a breastmilk expression system that has an external portion,or outer member, which is directly visible (i.e., not through some othercomponent such as a collection container) by a user from an exterior ofthe breastmilk expression system when assembled, and during pumping andmilk collection, even if a valve mechanism, or inner valve member, ofwhich may not be visible in that configuration. The visible valve systemis a visible component that can easily be correctly assembled within thebreastmilk expression system to serve its intended purpose.Additionally, the visible valve system can serve as a spill reducingsystem, or a component of a spill reducing system for the breastmilkexpression system. Alternatively, the spill reducing system can beincorporated elsewhere in a breastmilk expression system.

Various exemplary visible valve systems are disclosed herein that aresuitable for use with breastmilk expression systems, although numerousvariations of the embodiments and other embodiments are contemplated inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure. For example,in one exemplary spill reducing breastshield assembly for a breastmilkexpression system, the breastshield assembly is configured to attach toa container, and can include a breast interface, such as a funnel-shapedbreastshield. The breast shield can be removably securable to abreastshield mount, or conduit, that cooperates with such othercomponents as a cap and a suitable container for collecting breastmilk.

Any suitable connection can be formed between the conduit and thevisible valve system. In one exemplary embodiment, the conduit may beprovided with one or more plug elements, each of which can be receivedin one or more slots of the visible valve system, if desired. Forexample, where the conduit includes threaded plug elements, thecontainer for collecting breastmilk can include thread segments thatcooperate with the threaded plug element(s) of the conduit when thethreaded plug elements are selectively seated within the visible valveto threadedly engage a threaded region of the container.

In an embodiment, the conduit may include a breastmilk-receiving cavity,or media separation well, at least partially defined by a valve seat. Anopening is provided in the valve seat. The opening can be closed by avalve member when sufficient negative pressure is applied to the systemto extract breastmilk, which milk is temporarily collected in the mediaseparation well. The valve can be preloaded so as to be biased in aclosed condition, i.e. in sealing engagement with the valve seat. Themedia separation well can direct media flow through the conduit when thebreastmilk expression system is fully assembled with the visible valvesystem, and in use. When the system pressure undergoes certain changesin conditions, the valve member opens, permitting breastmilk in themedia separation well to pass through the opening and into thecontainer.

The visible valve system can be a one piece (i.e., integral) componentof a breastmilk expression system and can include an outer member and aninner valve member. The inner valve member can be connected to, orintegrally formed with, the outer member. The visible valve system canbe configured to detachably fit, either directly or indirectly, anattachment or docking portion of each of the container and the conduit.The visible valve system may be disposed intermediate the conduit andthe container. As a result, the inner valve member can be assembled andremoved from the system without the user needing to handle, or make anyphysical contact with, the inner valve. Further, by forming the innervalve integrally in the valve system, the entire valve system is easy toclean, and the likelihood that the inner valve member alone will becomemisplaced or forgotten when assembling the breastmilk expression systemis eliminated.

The visible valve system can include at least one vent between the outermember and the inner valve member. The vent may vent air from thecontainer to the atmosphere, or provide a portion of a channel thatvents air from the container to the atmosphere. The visible valve systemmay further be provided with structural elements that form all or aportion of a spill reducing tortuous path for breastmilk. The spillreducing tortuous path can reduce spillage of breastmilk during use ofthe spill reducing breastshield assembly for a breastmilk expressionsystem. The spill reducing tortuous path can be formed by connecting thevisible valve system to the breastmilk expression system, and anysuitable variation in the configuration of the visible valve system orconduit can be made to achieve the spill reducing tortious path uponassembly. The spill reducing tortuous path can include any structurethat creates increased resistance to flow in the system, such as bybending, redirecting, or otherwise creating back pressure to limitliquid flow from a container connected to the visible valve systemthrough the path.

Alternatively, a spill reducing tortuous path can be formed elsewhere inthe breastmilk expression system, with or without inclusion of thevisible valve system. For example, the spill reducing tortuous path canbe formed in the conduit, container, or in a separate component adaptedto be fitted to the breastmilk expression system.

When the spill reducing tortuous path is provided wholly or in part by avisible valve system constructed in accordance with the principlesherein, the path can be provided in a variety of configurations toredirect media flow from the container. For example, the visible valvesystem can include a series of incomplete annular ribs that project fromthe visible valve system, with gaps of adjacent incomplete annular ribsoffset from one another, such as by a center-to-center separation ofsome distance or, in the case of a round visible valve system, by one ormore varied angles, thereby defining a spill reducing tortuous path tolimit leakage, in the event the breastmilk system is tipped over. Otherstructural arrangements that inhibit liquid flow can be incorporatedinto the conduit such that assembly of the visible valve system to theconduit forms the spill reducing tortuous path. Further, anyconfiguration wherein the breastmilk expression system assembled withthe visible valve system forms a spill reducing tortuous path thatlimits leakage in the system from a container connectable to thebreastmilk expression system is within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In certain embodiments, the inner valve member is further defined by aninterchangeable, visible inner valve member.

In certain embodiments, the visible valve system for a breastmilkexpression system includes an externally accessible outer member thatcan be configured for selective connection to one or both of a conduitand a container. It would be visibly apparent to the user that the outermember is missing or misassembled between the conduit and the container,which advantageously serves to facilitate proper assembly of the variouscomponents of the system.

The visible valve system can further include an inner valve memberconnected to the outer member. The outer member also serves to isolatethe inner valve member from external contact and contaminants. Forinstance, after cleaning of the visible valve system, a user can avoidinadvertently touching the inner valve member.

In certain embodiments, the visible valve system includes an integrallyformed inner valve member connected to the outer member. As with otherembodiments described herein, it would be visibly apparent to the userthat the outer member is missing or misassembled between the conduit andthe container.

A visible valve system for a breastmilk expression system of certainembodiments of the present disclosure includes an outer memberconfigured to be grasped by a human hand during use of the breastmilkexpression system when selectively assembled in the breastmilkexpression system, and an inner valve member connectable to the outermember to a position within a media flow during operation of thebreastmilk expression system. The outer member may be larger than theinner valve member, allowing the user to more readily grasp the outervalve member with several fingers, if desired, and place the visiblevalve system in its intended position during assembly of the breastmilkexpression system, while minimizing needed dexterity to place a valvemember in its proper location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a duckbill inner valve for use in avisible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure, the duckbill inner valve providing selectivemedia communication between a conduit and a container such as a milkcollecting container;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a cantilevered flap inner valve for use in avisible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an inner valve in the form of a disc-shapedmedia valve for use in a visible valve system constructed in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an inner valve which may be asuitably-styled inner valve for use in a visible valve systemconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a breastmilk expression system having avisible valve system constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present disclosure, the visible valve system assembled between aconduit and a container;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a visible valve system intermediate acontainer and an engagement portion of a conduit, the visible valvesystem configured to detachably fit an outer member to form asubstantially continuous connection between a milk collecting containerand a conduit;

FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6, illustrating a valveseat of the conduit and an opening therein;

FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, anda container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reducespillage, the tortuous path being in a region where the conduit andvisible valve system engage one another;

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, anda container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reducespillage, the tortuous path being part of the conduit;

FIG. 10 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, anda container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reducespillage, the tortuous path being part of the visible valve system;

FIG. 11 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, anda container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reducespillage, the tortuous path being part of the container;

FIG. 12 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, anda container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reducespillage, the tortuous path being within the conduit;

FIG. 13 is a schematic drawing of a conduit, a visible valve system, anda container illustrating a location of a tortuous path to reducespillage, the tortuous path being part of the container;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 6, with thevisible valve system including an exemplary embodiment of a spillreducing tortuous path;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the breastmilk expression systemhaving the visible valve system constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure, the visible valve system assembledbetween the conduit and the container;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the breastmilk expression systemof FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the visible valve system constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure and asillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the visible valve system constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present disclosure and asillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, for example, with an alternate exampleof the visible valve system; and

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the breastmilk expression system of FIG. 16,taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 16, wherein a visible valve systemconstructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosureincludes a cantilevered flap inner valve of the type depicted in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a visible valve system, shown generally at 10,constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosurecan include a suitable inner valve, or inner valve member, such as anexemplary duckbill inner valve 12. The duckbill inner valve 12 isconnected to an outer member 17. The visible valve system 10 isconnectable, either directly or indirectly, to an exemplary conduit 40and an exemplary container 54 (both shown in FIG. 5) of a breastmilkexpression system. In an embodiment, the visible valve system 10 caninclude an outer member 20 that can be disposed between an outer edge ofa conduit 40 and a breastmilk collection container 54, and an innervalve selectively connectable to an interior connection section of theouter member 20. The interior connection section can further be disposedwithin a breastmilk flow path through the valve system. During operationof the breastmilk expression system the conduit can be exposed tovarying pressure, such as negative or positive pressure from a pressuresource. When negative pressure is applied to the conduit by the pressuresource, the flaps 14, 16 of the duckbill inner valve 12 are closed. Uponrelieving the negative pressure in the conduit, the flaps 14, 16 of theduckbill inner valve 12 open. This opening of the flaps 14, 16 of theduckbill inner valve 12 brings the conduit into media communication withthe container, and breastmilk can flow from the conduit to thecontainer.

Turning to FIG. 2, the inner valve may alternately take the form of acantilevered flap inner valve 18, which may be secured to an outermember 20 by a single joint 22. The outer member 20, the joint 22, andthe cantilevered flap inner valve 18 may all be integrally formed of oneor more suitable materials, such as an elastomeric material. The joint22 is sufficiently flexible to permit the cantilevered flap 18 to opendue to gravitational forces upon relieving negative pressure in theconduit, yet can be sufficiently rigid to apply a pre-load to thecantilevered flap inner valve 18, such that the cantilevered flap innervalve 18 is biased toward a closed condition.

FIG. 3 illustrates an inner valve in the form of a disc-shaped mediavalve 24 that is secured to the outer member 20 by two joints, 26, 28,which are on opposing sides of the inner valve 24. The disc-shaped mediavalve 24 can be pre-loaded or biased toward a closed condition insealing engagement with a visible valve seat (as described in moredetail below).

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting a generic inner valve 30 thatrepresents an inner valve of any suitable type that can provideselective media communication between a conduit, such as amilk-receiving cavity of a connector, and a container, such as a milkcollecting container. The inner valve can be formed of one or moresuitable materials and the outer member can be formed of the samematerial composition, or a different composition than the inner valvemember.

Turning to FIG. 5, the visible valve system of the present disclosure issuitable for use in a breastmilk expression system that can include abreastshield assembly. The breastshield assembly, when fully assembled,can include a breastshield 32 having a funnel-shaped first opening 34and an elongate tubular portion 36 in media communication with thefunnel-shaped first opening 34. The elongate tubular portion 36 isreceived in a complementary aperture 38 of a breastshield adapter orconduit 40, or alternately, the breastshield assembly may be integralwith the breastshield adapter or conduit 40. The breastshield adapter orconduit 40 can selectively engage or be fitted to a visible valve system42.

The visible valve system 42 can include the outer member 20. Thebreastshield adapter or conduit 40 can include a plurality ofdownwardly-depending plug elements 44, 46, as best seen in the explodedview of FIG. 6, or can be otherwise configured to secure to the visiblevalve system 42 via a suitable attachment method. Each of thedownwardly-depending plug elements 44, 46 can be configured to beconnected to the visible valve system to allow for preassembly of theconduit/valve system. For example, the plug elements 44 can be held,magnetically or otherwise, or received in respective slots of thevisible valve system 42, as illustrated by the dotted lines in FIG. 6.

Each of the plug elements 44 of the system may be provided with threadsegments 52 that can cooperate with thread segments on the other plugelement(s) to threadedly engage a threaded region of the container 54,such as an outer thread 53 of a neck region 55 of a breastmilkcollection bottle. Alternatively, the conduit/valve system can beconnected to the container via any suitable attachment method, forexample magnetic forces or chemical forces.

Further, in an embodiment the downwardly-depending plug elements 44, 46may be of any suitable shape that facilitates engagement with the outerthread 53 of the neck region 55 of the container 54. For instance, theplug elements 44, 46 may be arcuate. Additionally, any suitableattachment method can be incorporated to secure the conduit to the valvesystem, such as one or more snap features 45, 47.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a cap 56 can be secured to a top ofthe conduit 40. The cap 56 has a port 58 adapted to receive an end of alength of tubing 59 to deliver a pressure from a pressure source 62,such as a pump, to the conduit 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the conduit 40 includes a floor region 72. Thefloor region 72 can be a suitable shape, such as concave orfunnel-shaped, to facilitate the flow of breastmilk temporarily receivedin the conduit toward a drainage aperture 74 in the floor region 72. Itis important to avoid having breastmilk reaching the interior of tubing59 of FIG. 5 in the system, so that breastmilk does not contaminate thepressure source 62. The fluid media can be separated from the tubing 59by providing a media separator.

When the breastmilk expression system tips, breastmilk collected in thecontainer 54 thereof tends to flow toward the visible valve system.Where there is a flow path to an exterior of the breastmilk expressionsystem, such as a vent opening, the collected breastmilk could leakthrough the flow path and out of the breastmilk expression system. Asillustrated schematically in FIGS. 8-12, to reduce spilling of milk fromthe container when the container 54 is tipped over, a leakage limitingmember 80 may be either integrally formed in or removably connected tothe breastmilk expression system in one or more of a variety oflocations, such as on or in the conduit 40, on or in the visible valvesystem 42, on or in the container 54. Alternately or in addition, theleakage limiting member 80 may be provided intermediate adjacentcomponents, such as intermediate the conduit 40 and the visible valvesystem 42. The leakage limiting member 80 may be provided on a region ofthe visible valve system 42 that surrounds the drainage aperture 74.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the leakage limiting member 80 may beprovided in the visible valve member 42 and may include one or moreincomplete ribs 82, if desired. Alternatively, any device for slowingmedia flow from the container 54 can be provided, and can include one ormore devices of any shape or angle for passively providing a spillreducing tortuous path in the system. In addition, FIG. 14 furtherdepicts that the visible valve member 42 may include the outer member 20and an inner valve member 12, 18, 24, 30. Said another way, the innervalve member may include one or more of the duckbill inner valve 12, thecantilevered flap inner valve 18, the disc-shaped media valve 24, or anyother generic inner valve 30.

Where ribs 82 are provided, a gap 84 in each of the incomplete arcuateribs 82 may be provided at off-set intervals from the gap 84 of adjacentarcuate rib(s) 82. A center-to-center offset of the gaps 84 can beformed at any suitable distance or angle. The arcuate ribs 82 preferablyengage an interior wall of the conduit 40 when the conduit 40 and thevisible valve system 42 are assembled to one another. The gaps 84 canprovide an air path 83 for venting while defining, together with thewalls of the arcuate ribs 82, a tortuous path reducing spillage ofbreastmilk in the event the container topples over.

A tortuous path that reduces spillage of breastmilk may take many forms.A suitable tortuous path may be any structural element, geometric shape,or combination of structural elements or geometry that serves as a flowrestrictor, reducing flow rate as media flows past, along, or throughthe tortuous path. The tortuous path may be disposed closer to thecontainer 54 than the inner valve member when the components of thebreastmilk collection system are assembled. Alternately, oradditionally, the tortuous path may be disposed more remote from thecontainer 54 than the inner valve member when the components of thebreastmilk collection system are assembled.

By way of example only, the tortuous path may take the form of a regionsurrounding the inner valve member that constricts from a firstcross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is smallerthan the first cross-sectional area more distant from the container 54.Alternately, the tortuous path may take the form of structuresurrounding the inner valve member, such as an exemplary neck member 41that extends from the inner valve member to a position more remote fromthe container than the inner valve member. The tortuous path may also bedefined by a first interrupted elongate rib on the neck member 41 and asecond interrupted rib on the neck member 41 spaced from the firstinterrupted rib by a channel, an interruption of the first interruptedelongate rib being offset from an interruption of the second interruptedelongate rib.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, and like FIGS. 5 and 6, the visiblevalve system of FIGS. 15 and 16 is suitable for use in a breastmilkexpression system that can include the breast shield assembly. Thebreast shield assembly, when assembled, can include the breast shield 32having the funnel-shaped first opening 34 and the elongate tubularportion 36, which is received in the complementary aperture 38 of thebreast shield adapter or conduit 40. Alternatively, the breast shieldassembly may be integral with the breast shield adapter or conduit 40,which may selectively engage or be fitted to the visible valve system42. As noted, the visible valve system 42 can include the outer member20 and may engage the container 54. In addition, the cap 56 may besecured to the top of the conduit 40. The cap 56 has a port 58 (FIG.16), which is adapted to receive the end of a length of tubing 59 todeliver a pressure from the pressure source 62 (FIG. 5), such as a pump,to the conduit 40.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, each of the conduit40, the visible valve system 42, the container 54, and the cap 56 maytake the form of various different shapes and still fall within thescope of the present disclosure. For example, and as depicted in FIGS.15 and 16, each of the conduit 40, the visible valve system 42, and thecontainer 54 may be cube-like or square in shape. In addition, the cap56 may be cylindrical in shape. In another example, and as depicted inFIGS. 5 and 6, the container 54 may be more hexagonal or orthogonal inshape, and the conduit 40 may be more cylindrical in shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the leakage limiting member 80 may beprovided on a region of the visible valve system 42, such as the neckregion. In one example, the leakage limiting member 80 may extendupwardly. In another example, the leakage limiting member 80 may beprovided in the visible valve member 42 and may include one or more ribs82. Alternatively, the leakage limiting member 80 may not include anyribs 82, as depicted in FIG. 18.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a bottom view of the breastmilk expressionsystem of FIG. 16, taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 16 is depicted. Inthis example, the visible valve system 42 includes the outer member 20and the cantilevered flap inner valve 18, as also depicted in FIG. 2.The cantilevered flap inner valve 18 is secured to the outer member 20by the joint 22. As described above relative to FIG. 2, for example, theouter member 20, the joint 22, and the cantilevered flap inner valve 18may all be integrally formed of a suitable material, such as elastomericmaterial.

Referring again to FIGS. 6, 7, 15, 16 and 19, once conduit 40 andvisible valve system 42 are assembled, the inner valve, such as thecantilevered flap inner valve 18, aligns with the drainage aperture 74,sealingly engaging the underside of the floor region 72 of the conduit40, which serves as a valve seat to the visible valve system.

The visible valve system of the present disclosure can provide aconvenient reminder to the user that the breastmilk collection systemhas been properly assembled. This is due to the fact that if the visiblevalve system is missing and the user attempts to connect the conduit 40directly to the container 54, there can be a gap between the conduit 40and the container 54. In other words, the visible valve system can serveas an outer member that is externally accessible. The outer member isconfigured to selectively connect to both the conduit 40, and to thecontainer 54. It is visibly apparent to the user if the outer member 20is missing or misassembled between the conduit 40 and the container 54since the outer member 20 is sufficiently sized to form a visible,substantially continuous connection between the conduit 40 and thecontainer 54.

In an embodiment, the breastmilk expression system may be constructed insuch a manner that the container 54 cannot be assembled with the rest ofthe system if the visible valve system is not included. As such, thevisible valve system serves as a necessary connecting portion, even ifthe mechanism for securing the container 54 to the breastmilk expressionsystem, such as the thread segments 52 of the plug elements 44, 46, isprovided as part of a different component than the visible valve system42, like the breastshield adapter or conduit 40, for example.

The visible valve system of the present disclosure also provides aconvenient location for grasping by a human hand during use of thebreastmilk expression system, due to the substantially continuousconnection between the conduit and the container formed when thebreastmilk expression system is properly assembled. When so assembled,the user is assured that a visible valve system is properly providedbetween a conduit and a container so that upon application of a pressureto the conduit, the visible valve system will be retained in a sealedcondition, and upon release or relaxation of the pressure, the visiblevalve system will open. Upon application of the pressure, with abreastshield of the breastmilk expression system applied to the breast,breastmilk will be temporarily collected in the conduit. Upon release orrelaxation of the negative pressure, the visible valve system will open,resulting in the breastmilk flowing from the conduit to the containervia the visible valve system.

In accordance with the principles herein, an exemplary method ofreducing spillage for a breastmilk expression system can include thefollowing steps: First, a breastmilk collection kit having a conduit, acontainer and a valve is produced. The valve can include an inner valvemember through which media can flow into a container and an outer memberconnected to the inner valve member. The outer member can include aspill-reducing tortuous path. Next, the outer member can be configuredto be connectable to the container so that the system is capable ofreducing a flow rate in the container.

Producing the breastmilk collection kit can further include at least oneof the following steps: (1) providing a constriction from a firstcross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is smallerthan the first cross-sectional area more distant from the container; and(2) providing a vent having a neck member that extends from the innervalve member to a position more remote from the container than the innervalve member, wherein either step results in a breastmilk collection kitthat reduces the flow rate in the container during use.

In accordance with the principles herein, a breastmilk expression systemcan include a visible valve system connectable, either directly orindirectly, to one or more of a conduit and a container; an inner valvemember connected to the visible valve system; and a spill-reducingtortuous path one or more of integrally formed in or removably connectedto one or more of: on or in the container, on or in the conduit, on orin the visible valve system, intermediate the conduit and the visiblevalve system, and intermediate the container and the visible valvesystem.

The visible valve system can further include an outer member of thevalve.

In an embodiment, the breastmilk expression system can further include aleakage limiting member, the leaking limiting member including thespill-reducing tortuous path.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will understand, any breastmilkreferred to in the foregoing disclosure, such as in reference to thebreastmilk expression system, is breastmilk from a human, e.g., a humanmother, and not any other mammal or species. For example, the breastmilkexpression system of the present disclosure is directed to expressingbreastmilk from a human mother.

While the present disclosure has been described with respect to certainembodiments thereof, combinations and variations of the disclosedembodiments may be implemented that are still within the scope of theappended claims.

1.-8. (canceled)
 9. A visible valve system connectable to a breastmilkexpression system comprising: an outer member and an inner valve member,the inner valve member connectable to the outer member, the valve systemconfigured to detachably fit the outer member to a milk collectingcontainer and to a conduit.
 10. A visible valve system as claimed inclaim 9, wherein the valve system includes at least one vent between theouter member and the inner valve member.
 11. A visible valve system asclaimed in claim 10, the vent one or more of: (1) allowing air to escapewhile the valve system limits leakage if the breastmilk reservoir istipped over; or (2) being formed by a gap in each of at least twoincomplete ribs projecting radially outward from a neck of the outermember, each gap being offset from a gap of an adjacent rib.
 12. Avisible valve system as claimed in claim 9, the inner valve memberfurther defined by one or more of an interchangeable inner valve member,a duckbill inner valve member, a disc-shaped media inner valve member,or a flap inner valve member.
 13. A visible valve system for abreastmilk expression system comprising: an outer member configured forselective connection to both a conduit and a container, the outer memberbeing sufficiently sized to form a visible connection between theconduit and the container, the valve system further including an innervalve member connected to the outer member.
 14. A visible valve systemas claimed in claim 13, the inner valve member further defined by anintegrally formed inner valve member.
 15. A visible valve systemaccording to claim 14, further defined by: the integrally formed innervalve member formed of the same material as the outer member.
 16. Avalve system for a breastmilk expression system comprising: an outermember disposed between an outer edge of a conduit and a breastmilkcollection container; and an inner valve selectively connectable to aninterior connection section of the outer member, the interior connectionsection disposed within a breastmilk flow path through the valve system.17. A valve system as claimed in claim 16, the inner valve furtherdefined by one of a duckbill inner valve, a disc-shaped media valve, ora flap inner valve.
 18. The valve system of claim 17, the outer memberbeing visible when assembled intermediate the conduit and the container.19. The valve system of claim 18, the conduit being connectable to abreastshield.
 20. The valve system of claim 11, the vent being formed bya gap in each of at least two incomplete ribs projecting radiallyoutward from a neck of the outer member, each gap being offset from agap of an adjacent rib, the offset being a center-to-center offset ofthe gaps.
 21. The valve system of claim 16, the inner valve one or moreof: (1) formed of the same material as the outer member; or (2) beingconnectable to the outer member by an integral configuration.
 22. Amethod of reducing spillage for a breastmilk expression system, themethod comprising: producing a breastmilk collection kit having aconduit, a container and a valve, the valve including an inner valvemember through which media can flow into a container and an outer memberconnected to the inner valve member, the outer member including aspill-reducing tortuous path; and configuring the outer member to beconnectable to the container so that the system is capable of reducing aflow rate in the container.
 23. The method of claim 22, whereinproducing the breastmilk collection kit includes at least one of thefollowing steps: (1) providing a constriction from a firstcross-sectional area to a second cross-sectional area that is smallerthan the first cross-sectional area more distant from the container; and(2) providing a vent having a neck member that extends from the innervalve member to a position more remote from the container than the innervalve member, wherein either step results in a breastmilk collection kitthat reduces the flow rate in the container during use.
 24. A breastmilkexpression system comprising: a visible valve system connectable, eitherdirectly or indirectly, to one or more of a conduit and a container; aninner valve member connected to the visible valve system; and aspill-reducing tortuous path one or more of integrally formed in orremovably connected to one or more of: on or in the container, on or inthe conduit, on or in the visible valve system, intermediate the conduitand the visible valve system, and intermediate the container and thevisible valve system.
 25. The system of claim 24, the visible valvesystem including an outer member.
 26. The system of claim 24, furthercomprising a leakage limiting member, the leaking limiting memberincluding the spill-reducing tortuous path. 27.-28. (canceled)